Their hearts were brimming over with satisfaction and hope.
They had had a tough problem to think out during the past days, but now it seemed in a fair way of solution.
When the prior had left Chad after the banquet prepared for him, he professed himself perfectly satisfied that the missing Brother Emmanuel was not concealed upon the premises yet for all that, since the Lord of Mortimer had declared himself still dissatisfied, and because the escape of the monk was difficult to credit, nothing having been seen or heard of him abroad, he judged it wise still to keep his watch upon the place, that all might be satisfied that no precaution had been left untaken.
Sir Oliver had briefly, and with a slight accent of scorn, agreed with all the prior said, and had professed himself perfectly agreeable to the arrangement.

He had nothing to hide either in his own comings and goings or in those of any member of his household.
So long as his movements were not interfered with or his liberties infringed, the whole forest might be alive with spies for all that he cared.

He had not known of the first watch set upon his house, and he was indifferent to the second.

He should be soon leaving home to seek the king, and all he demanded was that the sanctity of his house should be duly regarded in his absence.

Of course the prior fully agreed to that.